Giants Veteran Receiver Fit: OBJ or DeAndre Hopkins?

If it came down to a pair of accomplished veteran receivers, which, if any, would b the best fit?

Author:
Patricia Traina
Publish date:
Mar 9, 2023 1:57 PM EST

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The New York Giants have made no secret of their need for a wide receiver, of which they can use an X-receiver capable of stretching defenses and making the big plays.

While the team figures to address the position in the draft next month, the possibility of the Giants adding a veteran receiver during the next few weeks shouldn’t be discounted.

Two names among the veteran rank that seem to come up when talking about the Giants are free agent (and former Giants receiver) Odell Beckham Jr and Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Both would certainly give the Giants' offense some much-needed firepower. But in breaking both scenarios down, which would be the better fit?

Beckham

Giants fans know full well that for as electrifying of a receiver as Beckham was on the field during his five seasons in blue, he was also often a lightning rod for distractions off it.

That all came to a head when he famously sat down for an interview with ESPN (reportedly without the Giants' knowledge) and blindsided the organization with comments such as doubts about quarterback Eli Manning and his own happiness in New York just months after signing a new contract extension. Beckham's interview was viewed as so damaging that he reportedly drew a fine from the club following the fiasco.

That was one of the straws that broke the camel's back. Beckham was traded to the Browns after the 2018 season, and after failing to find happiness playing with Baker Mayfield, Beckham ultimately found his way to the Rams, with whom he won a Super Bowl.

Since leaving the Giants, Beckahm has had two ACL injuries, the most recent of which he continues to rehab from. Last year, he visited the Giants facility to meet with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, among others. Daboll, who acknowledged Beckham’s visit, said the party “had a good visit.”

But it's not quite that simple. For one, Beckham didn't work out for any of the teams he visited last year, leaving questions about whether he had legitimate explosiveness in his legs. Then there are still those in the Giants facility who remember the immature antics staged by the exuberant receiver that were turnoffs.

Then there is the matter of money. Reports last year surfaced that Beckham was looking to score one last hefty payday that could push around $20 million isn't realistic for the Giants, even with their improved salary cap situation.

More recent reports, however, claim that Beckham has lowered his asking price to between $10-$15 million per year, which, if the intent was to make Beckham the No. 1 receiver, might not be a bad earning for a short-term deal.

Schoen and the Giants will likely check in on Beckham again, this time even having him work out for the team so they can see how much he has left themselves. And while the thought of a fan favorite coming home would certainly make for a great storyline, the fit in the salary cap, the offense, and the locker room must be there.

Hopkins

With the Cardinals now having a new general manager and head coach, there have been reports of the Cardinals now being open to trading Hopkins in exchange for a second-round pick and either a conditional draft pick or a player.

And whereas Hopkins, who recently hired an agent after eschewing the option for years, reportedly was looking to extend his contract with whoever his next team is, he is now open to adjusting his contract to perhaps lessen the $27 million APY that remains on his deal easier to digest.

Hopkins, like Beckham, is over 30. He is also two seasons removed from his last 1,000-yard showing, though how much of that is a result of injuries and the quarterback play is certainly something that needs to be considered.

While a legitimate X-receiver would certainly be a huge boost for the Giants' offense if they are sincere about building around quarterback Daniel Jones, the Giants can't be trading away premium draft picks when they need help elsewhere.

Simply put, a second-round pick might be too rich of a pick to give up for a team that, besides the receiver, needs cornerback offensive line, defensive line, tight end, and running back help.

Additionally, even if Hopkins has decided not to pursue a new deal, his 2023 base salary of $19.45 million and a 2024 base of $14.915 million might still be too rich for a Giants team that has a lot of other needs to address.

Final Thoughts

Last year Schoen had the chance to add a receiver at the trade deadline but decided to hold his water, realizing the team was more than a receiver away from making a run. As of this writing, nothing has changed. Schoen will likely hold onto his premium draft picks and continue building around Jones that way.

While veterans can help the cause, the Giants might be better off continuing to sit tight regarding receiver and look to add receiver help via the draft or, at the very least, via a lower-cost veteran free-agent addition.